Chapter 5
The next morning came up and Lucy and Natsu crept into Layla's room and got on both sides of her as Lucy gently poked her. Layla twitched and started rubbing her eyes opening them as they whispered, "happy birthday baby" and gave her kisses on her cheek as she grabbed their faces and hugged them making them smile. "It's my birthday" she said cheerfully. "Yes it is Layla" said Natsu as Layla took the blanket off and got up on the bed on Natsu's side as she raised her arms for him to hug her. In doing so she wrapped her arms around his neck and said " you're the best present ever daddy" then squeezed his neck tightly as he coughed making Lucy chuckle as she came over to his side and put a hand to his back. "I told you" she whispered into his ear as he said "you're the best gift for me too baby girl" "what about you mommy?" "Layla. Sweetheart with you two, I don't need anything else" Clearing his throat, he said "come on, time to celebrate you today" as with her still in his arms started for the stairs with Lucy right behind them. Setting her into a seat, they walked around the counter when Lucy said "what do you want for breakfast Layla?. You can have anything you want." "Pancakes!" she said happily clapping her hands together. "Okay pancakes it is" said Lucy as she got out stuff from the fridge while Natsu turned on the griddle while Layla sat there with a giant grin on her face kicking her feet in the chair excited. "Should I even bother asking if you want some too?" said Lucy skeptic as Natsu raised an eyebrow. "Really?" he told her as she giggled making sure she still had plenty of batter for a stack for him. After a few minutes, she had a small stack of three pancakes. "No mommy. More, more." She begged jumping in her seat. Amused, she put a couple more and put in front of her so she had a short stack of five pancakes. "Eat that first Layla then I'll make you more if you still want some" said Lucy as she put the syrup in front of her. "okay mommy" she said quickly as she drowned her pancakes and dug in. Lucy shook her head. "you are your father's child for sure. Appetite or not" she said with a smirk as Natsu looked at his giant stack of pancakes with eyes of a carnivorous animal. "Gimmme, gimmme, gimme" he said as Lucy laughed and put the stack in front of him.
"There you go sir" she said jokingly as he squirted syrup on his using half the bottle as Lucy grabbed it from him. "Both of you are going to be hyped up today aren't you?" she asked looking at them. "Aye sir!" they replied happily as they finished. "More please" they said in unison as they shoved their plates forward as Lucy just shook her head and got to making more. After eating another stack of pancakes, they put their plates in the sink. "Okay young lady now go on and brush your teeth. Don't need syrup stuck to your teeth all day" "yes mommy" she replied as she jumped down from her seat and went up the stairs. "What about me?" said Natsu teasingly as Lucy whirled towards him and put a finger to his chest. "you too mister, I don't want to be kissing sticky lips today" "Oh but don't you? He teased raising his eyebrows up and down making her giggle as he blew air into her neck as she pushed him off. "Go you big goof" she said as he kissed her hand and went upstairs. A few minutes later, Natsu and Layla came back down. "What now mommy!" she asked enthusiastic. "Hmmm" said Lucy but before she could answer, a knock came to the door as Lucy smiled and ran to the door and opened it and stepped out of the way.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAYLA!" screamed Erza and Jellal as she went running to them and jumped into Erza's arms. "Thank you" she said. "Wanna come with us for a little bit?" asked Jellal as she immediately nodded her head as she looked at Natsu and Lucy for permission. "your good baby girl, go have fun" said Lucy as she winked at Erza and Jellal as Layla quickly grabbed her shoes and grabbed Jellal's hand pulling him outside making him laugh. "We will call when everything is ready" Lucy said to Erza as she closed the door behind her. Natsu chuckled as he watched Lucy get giddy and excited as she jumped in place as Erza and Jellal left. "Come on Natsu!" she yelled as she ran to the car. "Wait!, I need to unlock it first" he said highly amused at her as he unlocked it and helped her with all the party stuff and gifts. "Oh my god, she is absolutely going to love this!" she exclaimed.
"I'm not sure which of you two is going to be more excited when she sees this" said Natsu. "What your not excited?" "Oh no baby, I am trust me" assured Natsu. "Okay , I need to get dressed then it's time. Yippeee!" she squeaked as she ran up the stairs as Natsu shook his head as he started setting things up on the table. Ten minutes later, she came back down in a pair of jeans and t-shirt with her hair ties back in a pony tail. "Where do you want to start?" asked Natsu. "We can decorate the table first..wow I think this might be the first time we use it" said Lucy shocked ."well we never have this many people over at once so we just haven't had a reason to use it" explained Natsu as he grabbed the plates and table cloth while Lucy grabbed the streamers. Setting up the table, Natsu set up the streamers due to Lucy not being tall enough to reach the wall as Natsu liked pointing that out. After decorating the dining room with happy stuff, Lucy turned to Natsu and said, "guess what time it is"! she said in a quiet, happy voice. He rolled his eyes lightly and said, "time to wrap presents?" "Yes! Time to wrap presents" she yelled as she grabbed the wrapping paper as Natsu went to grab the bags out of the car. "I don't think I've ever seen her this excited. It's great" he thought as her cheeks get pink with how happy she was when she saw him. Putting them down, she began pulling stuff out and wrapping it. He felt so happy as he pulled the happy the cat stuffed animal and began wrapping it.
"You know that's going to be her favorite present" said Lucy as she saw the smile on his face as he wrapped it. " As long as she's happy, that's all that matters to me" said Natsu. "I don't think there's a chance she wont be happy today" " Levy and Gajeel should be here soon shouldn't they?" asked Natsu. "Yeah, actually within the next twenty minutes I think" said Lucy as she finished wrapping and headed to the kitchen. "I'm staying out of there for the next hour" he joked. "why?" she asked. "Psh you think I'm going to be in the way when your baking her cake oh I don't think so. I do not want to get yelled at. If I get hungry, I'll grab something out of the cupboard" he informed her. " Oh Natsu stop, Im not" she stopped as Natsu gave her a look that said yeah right. "Oh shut up!" she said as she started laughing as she got everything out she needed to make the cake. Twenty minutes later, Levy and Gajeel showed up. "LEVY!" "LUCY!" they screamed in joy as Levy ran to her as Lucy put her hands around Levy's shoulders hugging her as Natsu and Gajeel just stood there with smiles on their faces. "What's up Gajeel. Hadn't actually seen you in forever" said Natsu as they slapped hands together as they sat on the couch. "Nothing much. Been dealing with Levy and her pregnancy. "Hey!" chipped in Levy "Sorry baby, just being honest" he said quickly as Levy stuck her tongue at him before returning to Lucy.
Sorry haven't been at the base lately. Construction job I got has kept me busy" "No worries on that man" said Natsu. "Where is the little munchkin anyway?" he asked "Erza and Jellal took her out for some gifts so we could get the house ready" explained Natsu. "Because she isn't going to get enough gifts already today" Gajeel said lightly. "Hey, it's her birthday. She can have as many gifts as she wants today" said Natsu.
"She's got you wrapped around her little finger" teased Gajeel as Natsu smirked and said "just wait, your little boy or girl I'm sure is going to have you wrapped around their finger too, especially if it's a girl" "Yeah, your probably right" agreed Gajeel "You want a drink?" asked Natsu as he got up and walked to the counter. " Heyy Luce, when you have just a second, can you pass me two cokes?" he asked nicely. "One second" she replied as Levy opened the fridge and got out two cokes and passed them to Natsu with a smile" "Thanks Levy" said Natsu and Lucy. "sure" she replied sweetly as Natsu went back to the couch and handed Gajeel the soda. "Thanks..so, Natsu how are things going?" "Huh, what do you mean?" he asked confused. "At the mafia, with Zeref and Evelyn" Natsu's face dropped as his tone changed. "We aren't talking about that. I do no want to talk about them on my daughter's birthday" he said coldly as he set his drink down and headed to the bathroom. Turning his head, Gajeel saw Levy scowling at him and mouthed stupid at him as Gajeel gave her a innocent face and shrugged his arms while Levy closed her eyes and rubbed her nose between two fingers. Giving Lucy a I'll be right back motion, she stomped over to Gajeel and pulled at his ear as she pulled him to a corner as he groaned. Standing against the wall, Levy glared at him as Gajeel rubbed at his ear. "What?" he said "You fucking dumbass!" she whispered. "You really think Natsu wants to talk about that. It's Layla's birthday and the first one's he's been able to have with her. Luckily Lucy didn't hear or you would have gotten worse then just that ear pull" "Lev" "Don't push me mister. Do not mention anything about the mafia, Zeref or his mother today or so help me Gajeel. I'll make sure not to give you anything in bed for two damn weeks." He looked at her like she had ripped his heart as she stood their firm.
"Do you hear me?" "Yes.. sorry. Just didn't think about it" he apologized sincerely. Softening her face , she said "of course you dope. Natsu already has to think about that on a daily basis. Him and Lucy both deserve a day that they don't have to think about any of that at all." "Your right shrimp..you better get back there or Lucy gonna wonder what the heck happened" "Right" she answered with a small smile as they walked back into the living room. Gajeel kissed her cheek as she went back to the kitchen and he went back to the kitchen as Natsu came back out. "Hey, sorry man" Gajeel apologized. Natsu waved his hand "don't mention it, you didn't know. Let's just forget it. Today is all about Layla" he said with a grin as Lucy yelled in delight as she pulled the cake out and put it on the stove top. "Well how does it look?" asked Natsu "It looks great! now just to decorate it" she said as she started singing a little song to herself but Natsu smiled as his ears picked it up. " I'm so glad you found a reason to sing Luce" he thought as him and Gajeel watched a football Natsu threw on the tv. "Hey Lu, where do you want the gifts placed? Gajeel and I have some in the car" asked Levy a while later. "Uhhh, put them on the stool in front of the window near the front door" said Lucy as she was putting the finishing touches on the cake. "DONE!" she squealed as Natsu came up to look as she jumped tiny jumps in place as she put her hands on Natsu's chest as he put an arm around her shoulders.
"It looks just like him Luce. You did great" She blushed as she laid her head on him. "Alright!" she said suddenly taking her head off him. "Call Jellal and tell them to get their butts back here. Party is ready to start!" announced Lucy as Natsu laughed taking his phone out and called Jellal. A minute later, he hung up and said "they are on their way back as he heard commotion behind as Levy dropped some of the gifts she had. "Damn Levy, how much did you buy for her?" Natsu questioned. "Oh not much, just a little here..little there" she said shyly making Natsu crack up. "Levy, your dropping the stuff in your hands. That's a little more then just a little here and there. Damn , my little girl is going to get spoiled today" Gajeel came over and helped her put the stuff on the table when Erza and Jellal pulled up. "Shit!, everyone hide" Lucy said quickly as they all dove for a corner.
Opening the door slowly, Layla stepped through as everyone shouted "SURPRISE LAYLA!" She shrieked in joy as she saw Happy the cat stuff everywhere. Her eyes were bright and shinning with happiness as she ran to Lucy who scooped her up "You like it?" "I love it,I love it, I love it!" she said filled with pure joy as Lucy set her down and she began running around. "What did you give her?" asked Natsu as him and Lucy both looked at Jellal and Erza. "Candy" they said in unison as Natsu and Lucy looked at their daughter spazzing. "Your taking her home" they said making Erza and Jellal raise an eyebrow. "You try sleeping with a hyped up six-year-old dosed on sugar and cake then come talk to us" teased Natsu. "Yeah, yeah Natsu, I mean we'll take her if you really want to get rid of her" said Jellal. "Hell no!" yelled Lucy and Natsu. "uh uh, you aint taking my kid" Natsu told him. "Come on you guys" insisted Lucy. "This is a great day, let's keep it going" "Right" agreed Natsu and Jellal as they joined the others in conversation as Layla was running around all over the place and talking with Erza and Levy who had bright smiles on their faces as they chatted with her. "How's it going man?" said Gray as Gajeel shook his hand. "Not much. Mafia going alright for you?" "You know it..and with Natsu in charge, well you know" he joked as Natsu gave them a not pleased look as the guys laughed. After Lucy had served them a buffet style dinner, Lucy had everyone sit at the table. "Wow, was wondering when you guys were going to use this room" said Erza. "Well we never have you guys over at once so there's never any point in eating in here" said Natsu as Lucy flipped the light switch off bringing in the birthday cake with candles as Layla was bouncy in her seat as she rapidly clapped her hands as Lucy set the cake down. "HAPPY!" she screamed as she pointed to the cat face and looked at Lucy who had a warm smile on her face. "Thank you mommy!" Your welcome baby girl.. everyone ready to sing?" she asked. "Daddy!, daddy! Here here" she said excited pointing to the space next to her as Natsu gladly got up and went to kneel down next to her.
" Alright everyone ready…" "Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday Laylaaaa, happy birthdaaaaay to youuuuuu" everyone sang as Lucy sang one last verse to her making everyone happy hearing Lucy sing as she blew out her candles making everyone clap and cheer as Layla hugged her face giving her a big kiss on her cheek and then put her arms around Lucy and Natsu's necks bringing them close to her face smooshing them as they grinned and turned their heads kissing her face. "Happy birthday baby girl" said Lucy. Layla was giddy and anxious as she bounced wanting to dig into the cake. "Natsu, do you want to do the honor?" "I'd love too" he said as he took the cutting knife from Lucy. Turning away from Layla, he sliced the cake and handed the middle of Happy's face to Layla as she stuck her fork right in making everyone chuckle. Natsu finished cutting the cake and passed the pieces. Layla's face was covered in frosting as Natsu shook his head wiping her face off. "So did you like the cake then?" "Yep" she answered point blank. "Okay people, time for the best part" announced Natsu as all of them finished up their pieces. "Presents!" Layla said happily as Lucy pointed to where they were stacked as Layla raced out of her chair to see the giant stack of gifts. Layla thought she might explode with happy she felt looking at them.
Coming into the room with everyone Lucy said "okay Layla, I know your excited but your not going to just tear apart every present. You need to see who it's from" "Mommy" Layla said impatiently. "Layla…"Natsu said in a warning tone as Layla looked at him. "Listen to your mother" "Okay mommy but come on!" she begged as she sat on the floor on her legs waiting as Lucy and Natsu sat next to the stack taking presents down and handing them one by one to her as Layla read the tag on every one and thanked them as she opened it. She received some kid's books from Levy and Gajeel along with some toys and clothes. Erza and Jellal gave her some singing books making her and Lucy both smile. "You can learn to sing as pretty as your mom Layla "complimented Jellal as Lucy blushed. With all the toys including the ones she received from Natsu and Lucy, Layla was ecstatic as she saw one more gift as Lucy gradually handed it to Natsu.
He smiled as he handed it to Layla who read the tag. "To my little dragon, I know you were granted one birthday wish you wanted, I hope this is another. Love daddy" she finished as she looked and smiled at Natsu as he nodded towards the present as she tore the wrapping paper. Tearing the last of it, everyone covered their ears as she high shrieked holding Happy the cat. "THANK YOU DADDY!" she said as she jumped on Natsu knocking him to the floor as she wrapped her hands around his chest and back as he rested his hands on her shoulders. Lifting his head up, he said "happy birthday Layla" With tears in her eyes, in a cracked voice she said " I love you daddy!. You gave me the best two presents in the world" as she laid her head on his chest grabbing hold of his shirt in her hands as tears fell down her face. I loved writing this chapter!